Texans rookie Kamari Lassiter living up to 'Locksmith' nickname in battle for starting cornerback job

The Houston Texans entered training camp conducting a battle between second-round rookie Kamari Lassiter and veterans Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson for the second cornerback spot opposite Derek Stingley Jr.

It’s early in the process, but Lassiter has been living up thus far to his nickname: the Locksmith.

“That’s just me,” Lassiter said, via John McClain, writing for the team’s official website. “That’s who I am. I feel like I came in and showed who I am, and that’s the kind of person I am — I’m the Locksmith. I want to lock stuff down wherever I am.

“I feel to get to the point I really want to be, I have a long way to go. I have a lot to learn and a lot to work on. I want to be a lot better. The first thing you want to do as a young player, as a rookie coming into a new organization (and) a new atmosphere, you have to prove (yourself) and earn the respect of your teammates and coaches. That’s something I really focus on. I want to earn the respect of everyone in the building before it’s time to play. I want to be a student of the game.”

Coach DeMeco Ryans glowed about the Georgia product’s mentality, physical play and instincts thus far.

“You see that (dog) mentality in his eyes and in his demeanor,” Ryans said. “In the meeting room, he’s locked in. You can see he’s truly taking in what you’re giving him when it comes to coaching points or directions. When he comes on the field, it’s the same thing. He’s not a loud guy by words, but he’s a loud guy by his actions.

“He’s focused and intense. You don’t notice him much because he’s always doing his job. He’s always where he should be. He’s always in position. He’s always doing what we ask him to do, and as a rookie, that says a lot. If it’s in meetings or on the field, he’s always locked in.”

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Lassiter’s play has already impressed his teammates.

“I can’t even remember a (ball) caught on him in a long time,” Stingley said. “It’s the reason he’s here and locked on that side of the field.”

The Texans drafted the 6-foot corner believing he has the ability to play inside or outside. With Desmond King in the nickel, they’ll give the rookie a shot to win the job opposite Stingley. Lassiter doesn’t care where he plays, just that he’s on the field.

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “I can play D-line — it wouldn’t matter — as long as I’m on the field.”

Corner is a notoriously rough position for first-year players. Lassiter can learn from the two players he’s battling for the starting gig. In 2020, Okudah was the No. 3 pick and Henderson was the No. 9 selection. Both have become nomads.

The Locksmith is looking to bolt down the starting gig in training camp. So far, reports out of camp have him in the lead for the job, including on the Texans’ unofficial depth chart.

“He’s been great,” defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “Very competitive, always around the ball. He’s taken to the techniques we’re trying to play. We’re excited for him to keep developing (the way) he is.”

We could get our first live look at Lassiter in Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears.